Sci-Fi Short of the Week: “Uncanny Valley” Federico Heller.
In the future the slums will be full of virtual reality junkies, at least according to the nightmarish vision Federico Heller portrays in this expertly executed film. Instead of heroin junkies scattered about a decayed urban landscape, the slums are littered with VR addicts spending up to seventeen hours a day immersed in a virtual reality that makes the “real world” seem like a dull and boring place. For many VR has supplanted the real-world.
As one character says in the film: “Virtual reality is the only reality.”
As the movie progresses, there is a blurring between the two worlds. There is a real lesson to be learned here. As technology increases in its ability to immerse humans in virtual worlds, we need to remember to stop and smell the roses (physical ones). I have to admit that the lure is there and if a total immersive VR experience became available, I believe many would be lost to it. To walk onto the deck of the SSV Normandy and go on some missions with Commander Shepard would not be something I could pass up. Hopefully, I will remain anchored in the real world. If not, I hope the wife keeps the feeding tubes clear and changes the bed pans!
Credits:
Written And Directed By: Federico Heller
Executive Producers: German Heller and Brandon Maseda
Animation Director: Fernando Maldonado
Vfx Production Designer: Jorge Tereso
Lead Vfx Artist: Federico Carlini
Lead 3d Artist: Marco Lococo
Visual Effects Supervisor: Federico Heller
Digital Art Director: Pablo Olivera
Producer: Federico Heller
Vfx Production Coordinator: Maria Jose Tabares
Assistant Director: Nazareno Alba and Celeste Lois
Director Of Photography: Nicolas Trovato and Fernando Lorenzale
Art Director: Lola Sosa
Original Score: Cyrille Marchesseau
Music Mix: Rodolphe Gervais
Audio Post By Impossible Acoustic: Brendan J. Hogan and Jamie Hunsdale
Cast (In order of Appearance):
Marcela Sandra Ballestero
Steve Kisicki
Ivan Steinhardt
Agustin Olcese
Raymond Lee
Nicole Apstein
See the film for a full list of credits.